Chapter 81: Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun

As a white halo radiated outward, spreading across a hundred kilometers in all directions, the sight was magnificent. From close range, however, the shape of the Tai Chi symbol was imperceptible.

“My sword is quite sharp! Brother Di Tian, you’d better dodge!” Li Yu formed a graceful sword flower with one hand and said.

The moment Li Yu’s foot tapped the ground, Di Tian realized he had underestimated this human and immediately became fully alert.

A black dragon scale sword slowly emerged from the palm of Di Tian’s hand.

Li Yu’s eyes narrowed sharply as he swung his sword, sending a silver arc of light streaking toward Di Tian.

“Dragon God Claw!” Di Tian shouted, and the empty palm instantly filled with black scales resembling dragon claws, reaching out to grasp the silver light emanating from Li Yu. Sparks flew from Di Tian’s palm as a brilliant, multicolored radiance burst forth from the claws, flinging toward Li Yu.

Li Yu’s sword aura was deflected back, followed by the glowing light from Di Tian’s dragon claw strike.

“Qian!” Li Yu vanished, reappearing behind Di Tian.

Without hesitation, he swung his sword toward Di Tian’s neck.

Di Tian parried with his black dragon sword behind him. A harsh sound of air bursting rang out as the spatial shockwave radiated, pushing both Di Tian and Li Yu backward.

Li Yu landed lightly, bouncing off the ground like a spring, then leapt toward Di Tian, sword raised to continue the assault.

Di Tian wielded the black dragon sword to block Li Yu’s relentless attacks.

Sand whipped through the air, sword auras surged like rivers.

The entire space transformed into a magnetic field of swords.

When Li Yu’s strongest strike collided with Di Tian’s black dragon sword, a piercing sonic boom echoed again, and both were thrown backwards once more.

Li Yu flew back a hundred meters before stabilizing, glancing at the cracked blade in his hand, then casually discarded it.

“Di Tian! I heard your true form is a dragon! Try this move!” Li Yu declared.

He then uttered a spell: “Azure Dragon!”

“Aoong!” A dragon’s roar shattered the sky, causing the surrounding space to tremble.

From the earth rose a colossal dragon’s head, the ground quaking violently. A thousand-meter-long azure dragon coiled above Li Yu.

“I heard your true form measures three thousand meters—shall we see?” Li Yu said confidently.

“What is that thing?” Di Tian looked up at the azure dragon, instinctively sensing a fierce pressure.

“I heard you are called the Beast God! This is one of the Four Divine Spirits of Heaven, ruler of the Seven Mansions of the East—how does your god compare to this?” Li Yu spoke boldly.

The azure dragon roared in response, sending shockwaves outward. Trees were uprooted and swept away, leaving a barren wasteland three kilometers wide.

The Lake of Life.

At its center, a ripple gently spread outward.

A golden three-eyed creature called out joyfully, drawing the attention of Ziji and Biji.

“Has the master awakened?”

Li Yu, sensing something from the battlefield, glanced toward the Lake of Life.

Di Tian immediately knelt, bowing toward the lake.

Li Yu suddenly understood and was overwhelmed with excitement.

Gu Yue Na had awakened!

The Lake of Life.

Her silver hair cascaded down to her toes, shimmering like crystal, indescribably beautiful beyond words. Her flawless pale skin and violet eyes exuded an otherworldly allure. Even in a simple white shirt, she appeared strikingly sensual. Her eyes were mesmerizing, framed by long curled lashes, clear and penetrating, especially when tinged with a hint of confusion, evoking a tender sympathy in onlookers.

“So beautiful!” Li Yu couldn't help but exclaim.

Ziji and Biji, kneeling nearby, were startled and quickly cautioned Li Yu, “Yu! This is our master!”

“I know! The soul beast sovereign Gu Yue Na!” Li Yu stepped forward with a bow to the impossibly perfect woman before him. “I am Li Yu, husband of Ziji, honored to meet His Highness the Silver Dragon King!”

“Gu Yue Na? That’s a nice name! From now on, call me Gu Yue Na!” the woman whispered softly like a clear spring.

Li Yu: “...Called too early?”

“Miss Na Na, may I ask what you have summoned me for? If within my power, I shall not hesitate to help!” Li Yu asked.

“You are interesting!” Gu Yue Na spoke frankly.

Li Yu smiled wryly. “Handsome face, interesting soul! Na Na, you didn’t summon me just to see my unrivaled looks, did you?”

Ziji and Biji were utterly speechless.

At this moment, Di Tian approached and bowed to Gu Yue Na. “Master!”

Gu Yue Na nodded, then said to Li Yu, “I sense the aura of the Tree of Life within you.”

Li Yu was momentarily stunned, then somewhat excited. “Na Na, you recognize it?”

Di Tian frowned but said nothing.

“This tree is useful to me!” Gu Yue Na reached out toward Li Yu.

Startled, Li Yu tried to resist but found himself unable to move. “Na Na! I don’t hit women! But you can’t force me either! Let’s discuss this!”

Di Tian’s face curled into a sly smile, clearly pleased.

The two women looked anxiously at their master.

Only the three-eyed golden creature rubbed affectionately against Li Yu’s feet.

Li Yu glanced down at the pet, perplexed. After so many days, it had never been so clingy—what was going on now?

Before he could think further, Gu Yue Na’s hand touched his body. Li Yu closed his eyes, unsure if losing a physical form would have any effect.

No pain? Li Yu blinked in surprise.

Opening his eyes, he saw Gu Yue Na’s flawless face pressed close to his shoulder and neck. A silver glow flickered, and she vanished.

Instinctively, Li Yu moved his fingers—they responded.

He then focused inward on his dantian.

Inside, he saw a silver-haired girl caressing a tree trunk fifty meters in diameter, gazing up at a towering tree glowing brilliantly in the darkness.

For the first time, the tree had a reference point. Li Yu realized his little sapling had grown this large!

If Gu Yue Na served as the scale, the underground soil area must be tens of thousands of kilometers square.

Unexpectedly, Li Yu felt a vague sense of accomplishment.

“This is the Tree of Life! Rumored to be the only one of its kind in the world! I’m seeing it for the first time too,” Gu Yue Na said, feeling the tree’s aura and narrating softly.

“This place aids my healing. If I live here, are there any conditions?” Her expression remained calm, as if speaking to the air.

Li Yu’s mind raced, then he said, “Na Na, your willingness to stay here is my honor. Stay as long as you like!”

Gu Yue Na nodded, stepping beyond the tree. Suddenly, floral fragrance wafted into Li Yu’s nose. Her three thousand silver strands of hair appeared before his eyes.

“I won’t stay for nothing. The Lake of Life can help the tree grow.” With a gentle flick of her sleeve, the vast lake split in two. One half, guided by Gu Yue Na, flowed toward Li Yu’s dantian, shrinking as it approached until it vanished on contact.

Li Yu examined himself inwardly, noticing a faint golden halo beside the continent—an exquisite and mysterious scene.

“Na Na! What exactly is the Tree of Life?” Li Yu asked.

Gu Yue Na shook her head. “I don’t know either. It’s only preserved through memories, but my mind tells me it’s very important.”

Li Yu felt frustrated. He had hoped to find a method for cultivation, no longer groping blindly like before, but all he gained was an unverifiable name.

Still, having Gu Yue Na on his side now thrilled him greatly.

At this moment, Di Tian stepped forward. Though he hadn’t heard Gu Yue Na’s voice inside Li Yu, he understood the situation from Li Yu’s response. “Master, if you intend to go to the Tree of Life, why not bring the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm?”

Li Yu also looked toward Gu Yue Na, surprised that the Ice Silkworm was already in the Starry Forest. No wonder he noticed a large insect upon emerging from the lake.

Gu Yue Na shook her head. “With the Tree of Life, the Ice Silkworm is dispensable. Let it remain in the forest to guard the other soul beasts.”

Curious, Li Yu asked, “How did you detect the tree inside me?”

Gu Yue Na explained, “Whenever you summon a divine beast, a trace of the Tree of Life’s aura is released. Though faint, it’s enough.”

Li Yu frowned. “You mean the Azure Dragon is inside me? How come I never noticed?”

“The time is not yet ripe,” Gu Yue Na replied enigmatically.

Li Yu was speechless.

Di Tian looked at Ziji and Biji beside him. “You two follow the master. I will stay here.”

Hearing this, Li Yu felt it was the best news he’d heard all day. He approached Di Tian and patted his muscular arm. “You’re a real stand-up guy. I like you!”

Di Tian smirked but ignored him.

Biji doubled over laughing nearby, unable to catch her breath.

The three-eyed pet rubbed against Li Yu’s legs. Li Yu cradled the golden beast, the size of a mature Chow Chow, stroking its smooth fur.

Gu Yue Na looked at the creature in Li Yu’s arms. “You don’t need to come. You can’t stay there.”

Li Yu understood her meaning. The place inside was barren; the pet wouldn’t be comfortable.

Holding the beast, an idea struck Li Yu.

“Na Na! You are the sovereign of soul beasts! Can you help me find the Blue Silver Emperor?”

“Blue Silver Emperor?” Gu Yue Na lowered her head, pondering.

“Not in the Starry Forest. In the Heavenly Fighting Empire,” she answered.

Li Yu guessed he was near Sacred Soul Village. Then he asked, “Can you summon a ten-year-old Soft-Boned Rabbit? I have great use for it!”

He bowed deeply in request.

Gu Yue Na furrowed her delicate brows. “I will try.”

Soon, a pink rabbit hopped over.

Li Yu shook his head, sensing it wasn’t the one.

Several more pink rabbits followed, looking toward Gu Yue Na.

Li Yu studied them carefully but still shook his head.

As the ground trembled, a cloud of pink swept toward the Lake of Life.

Li Yu stared in astonishment at the massive pink army.

“So many?” he asked Gu Yue Na in disbelief.

“This is only a part. Gathering all will take a long time,” Gu Yue Na explained.

“Damn!” Li Yu cursed under his breath.

Li Yu’s feet touched the ground, and a hundred-kilometer Tai Chi Bagua diagram appeared beneath him.

Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the Soft-Boned Rabbits approaching from all directions.

One hour passed.

Two hours.

No one dared disturb him. Ziji watched Li Yu with worry.

His pale face was covered in sweat.

As more Soft-Boned Rabbits gathered, Li Yu suddenly opened his eyes. “Qian!”

At his call, he raised his hands, and a cute Soft-Boned Rabbit appeared in his arms.

Li Yu staggered, sitting on the ground, gasping, and thanked Gu Yue Na, who stood nearby.

With a wave of her hand, the Soft-Boned Rabbits scattered.

Li Yu comforted the rabbit in his arms. “Mother-in-law, don’t move! Your son-in-law has overexerted himself to find you!”

Ziji crouched to support Li Yu, worried.

Biji blinked her beautiful green eyes and asked, “What is she to you?”

Li Yu recovered and smiled. “Her daughter is a shape-shifting Soft-Boned Rabbit—my sister!”

Biji blinked. “Oh, she’s reincarnated?”

Li Yu chuckled. “Maybe. Rebirth is a better term. I’m just trying my luck.”

Gu Yue Na said, “Give her to me. Time flows differently inside you; it’s better for her.”

“Oh!” Li Yu took the rabbit. “There’s no food inside though.”

“I’ll let her out for an hour each day,” Gu Yue Na said. “I’ll come out too.”

“Good!” Li Yu nodded. “What about Ziji and Biji?”

Gu Yue Na didn’t answer but looked at the two women.

“We are willing to follow the master!” Ziji said.

“Good! Take my hand,” Gu Yue Na said.

Just as before, with Gu Yue Na’s step forward, Ziji and Biji vanished before Li Yu’s eyes.

Li Yu looked at his empty hands, feeling like in a dream—unbelievable.

Glancing at the three-eyed golden beast and then at Di Tian nearby, he patted his backside and stood. “I should go. I’ve delayed too long. Brother Tian, if you remember me outside, I’ll treat you to a whole roasted lamb!”

Di Tian turned his head away, ignoring him.

Li Yu smiled, having nothing left to linger for, and prepared to leave the Starry Forest.

The three-eyed beast bit at Li Yu’s pant leg, reluctant to part.

Li Yu stroked its silky golden fur. “Grow up fast here! Once you can transform, you’ll find us!”

“Mmm!” The beast nudged Li Yu’s leg.

“Let’s go! See you later!” Li Yu waved, carrying the Soft-Boned Rabbit, heading into the dense forest.

His destination was Tiandou City, and beyond that, the Xingluo Empire.

...

“Dai Wei, soul weapon White Tiger, soul power level three.”

“Zhu Fangling, soul weapon Multicolored Spirit Cat, soul power level two.”

“Xie Tingfeng, soul weapon vegetable cleaver, no soul power. What a pity, kid, you can’t become a soul master. Be a cook instead. Next…”

The annual Awakening Ceremony was underway in Xingluo City. Children reaching six years old could register.

The Emperor of Xingluo and nobles gathered, their faces grim.

Among over three thousand registered children, after extensive testing, none displayed exceptional talent, let alone genius.

In recent years, Xingluo Empire’s talent pool had declined generation by generation.

At this rate, Tiandou Empire would soon surpass their strength.

As for the Soul Weapon Hall, its power was already above Xingluo.

“So lively,” Li Yu observed the bustling crowd at Xingluo City’s central square, recalling the tourist throngs during May Day holidays with a sigh.

Soon, a woman in tight leather appeared at a nearby alley entrance, catching Li Yu’s eye.

Found her!

Zhu Zhuqing was a lone wolf, hard to find. She was Prince Dai Mubai’s fiancée, a cold iceberg goddess, difficult to win over.

But opportunity knocks but once—at least he could get familiar.

Li Yu pursued.

The crowd gathered at the square watching the Awakening Ceremony; the alley was quieter.

Li Yu chased into the alley, but the slender figure had vanished.

Wondering if he missed her, suddenly a cold voice came from behind.

“Are you following me?”

A chilling killing intent enveloped Li Yu. He slowly turned.

Before him stood the woman in black leather, tall and slender.

Despite being prepared, Li Yu swallowed hard.

The tight leather outlined her voluptuous hourglass figure, especially the prominent curves in front, alarming to behold.

Her black attire and shoulder-length hair contrasted her snow-white skin. Her beauty was stunning, but her watery peach blossom eyes carried a dark, ruthless gaze, like a predator stalking prey.

No, she wasn’t Zhu Zhuqing—this was Zhu Zhuyun.

The sisters resembled each other but were years apart. Zhu Zhuqing was younger, while this woman was a mature beauty with a seductive figure.

Li Yu forced a smile. “Mistaken identity, sorry. I’m Li Yu, pleased to meet such a beautiful lady today!”

“Mistaken?” Zhu Zhuyun noticed Li Yu had no soul power but was handsome, dressed in flowing fitted robes, clean and dignified, with an extraordinary aura and a warm, gentle smile that made one feel at ease.

Her expression softened slightly.

She thought this handsome youth had succumbed to her allure and came to flirt.

No ordinary person without soul power would dare approach her so boldly.

This only proved her immense charm.

Which woman wouldn’t want her attractiveness affirmed?

“You brat, daring to provoke me. You’re bold. I’ll let you off this time, but no next time!” Zhu Zhuyun waved her hand like shooing a fly.

No soul power meant no matter how handsome, he was useless.

She had arranged to meet her sister Zhu Zhuqing here to negotiate and didn’t want unnecessary trouble.

Her reaction was as Li Yu expected.

Li Yu smiled faintly. “I roughly know who you are—you are Zhu family’s eldest daughter, Zhu Zhuyun, the Crown Prince Davis’s fiancée.”

Zhu Zhuyun frowned. “If the prince finds out you used lewd words to flirt with me today, you’ll be in trouble.”

“I said it was a misunderstanding. You don’t believe me... Hey, the person I’m looking for just appeared!” Li Yu’s eyes lit up as he stepped toward Zhu Zhuqing at the alley entrance.

Though it was their first meeting, Li Yu recognized Zhu Zhuqing immediately.

The sisters looked alike, both clad in black leather, tightly hugging their tall, fiery figures, outlining their exquisite curves.

Both were generously endowed, but only Zhu Zhuqing had a youthful face.

Zhu Zhuqing’s figure was more proportioned, with long, smooth legs and a devilishly perfect physique matched with a youthful, ethereal beauty.

Her gaze was like autumn water, nose sharp, lips red and moist. She stood quietly, radiating an otherworldly elegance and a breathtaking charm.

Zhu Zhuyun was more coldly alluring, like a ripe, dripping sweet peach tempting a bite.

Zhu Zhuqing appeared pure and aloof, like an angel’s face on a devil’s body.

At this moment, Zhu Zhuqing’s wary eyes shifted from Zhu Zhuyun to Li Yu.

She heard what he said and suspected he might be part of her sister’s scheme.

He looked handsome, gentle, with elegant brows and a vague, inscrutable aura—very comforting.

But no soul power? What was that about?

She didn’t want to kill an ordinary person without soul power.

Zhu Zhuyun sneered. “Since you know who I am, you should know my sister is the third prince’s fiancée, and she can barely protect herself now.”

“I know. I will protect her.”

Li Yu’s steps never faltered, his gaze fixed on Zhu Zhuqing.

“You protect her? The third prince Dai Mubai couldn’t protect her; he abandoned her, fleeing abroad. You protect her? Ha ha…” Zhu Zhuyun laughed wildly, waves of amusement in her voice. “You really made me laugh.”

Li Yu ignored Zhu Zhuyun, smiling kindly as he approached Zhu Zhuqing and politely extended his hand. “I am Li Yu, from distant Tiandou City, here only to see a beautiful smile!”

His words were brash, but somehow warm and disarming.

Zhu Zhuqing appraised Li Yu with curiosity.

Though without soul power, he was extraordinary, graceful, with the air of someone of status.

Initially, she thought he was hired by her sister, but after meeting his sincere, confident gaze, she dismissed the idea.

Zhu Zhuyun had no reason toI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.